The next iPad model Apple releases will have a smaller dock connector port than the iPad 2, iPhone and iPod touch, assuming the latest rumors prove to be true. The Japanese Web site Macotakara claims to have sources confirming the new dock connector, along with a spring launch just like the iPad 2.
If Macotakara’s sources are right, Apple will be ditching its standard connector port and potentially breaking compatibility with accessories such as dock-equipped sound systems and portable battery chargers. It also means iPad 3 owners wouldn’t be able to share a dock cable with their iPhone or iPod touch, or with the iPod classic and nano.
Apple would also have to release a new camera adapter kit for the iPad since the current model is sized to fit the standard dock connector port.
Apple isn’t talking about the next iPad model, so for now reports of any new features or design changes should be taken with a healthy dose of salt — including reports of a non-standard dock port.
[Thanks to Macworld UK for the heads up.]
10 Comments Leave Your Own
The amount of salt required for that dose would not be healthy.
Could they be planning two dock ports? One “standard” as we are using now and one “standard” as in mini USB?
Since iOS5 introduced wireless sync, what use is there for the dock connector any more? The drawback is the accessories that use the dock connector like the camera kit and aftermarket CF camera kits. Like Lee posted, it might be a more ubiqutous USB port…
There are also “boom boxes” and such that use a dock connector to play music as well as charge the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Of course you can also use the earphone port to the amp/speaker and I do that with a couple of my portable player gadgets.
Also I am thinking about how the European Union got on Apple’s case over the iPhone’s “non standard” charging port.
You’ll see an HDMI port on the iPad before they change the dock connector…and you know how probable that HDMI port will be.
Thunderbolt!!!
That is a possibility. How do the thickness of the dock connector and Thunderbolt connector compare. Could they put a Thunderbolt port in an iPad and not lose strength and thinness?
Hmmmm, there is another rumor about an Apple TV or something.
Bluetooth
I’m just saying that it’s Apple’s way of moving forward to the next thing, which is wireless. I thought I also saw a story this year about them having patents related to wireless charging…
Who knows what the iPad3 will have! We just went through the most hyped rumor cycle for the iPhone.
Rumour, rumour, ‘tis we sigh,
Not from Apple, then be wise.
Ignore trifles, Ignore claims,
Off the market is to blame.
Boys and Girls do be mindful,
‘tain’t terminological.
Good one mhikl!
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